Asad

The past four days were a rollercoaster of emotions I hadn't anticipated, even though I thought I had prepared myself for the uncertainties of this marriage. It wasn't that I doubted Layla, I knew her decision to be with me hadn't been an easy one, and I understood why she might need time to process it. But her silence... it echoed louder with each passing hour, carving a space in my chest that filled with unease.

I was happy. That much was undeniable, even for me talkless of my very observant family. From the moment this marriage was finalized, there was a kind of peace in knowing Layla was my wife. But that happiness was now a fragile thing, layered with emotions I struggled to name, concern, guilt, and a growing vulnerability I wasn't used to. I had always been someone who found solace in the quiet, who thrived in the calmness of being alone. But for the first time in years, solitude felt daunting. The thought of returning to my house, empty and still, with no answers about where I stood with Layla was unbearable.

I had stayed at my parent's house for the entire week, something I hadn't done since I first moved out. Even my siblings had noticed. Sahla, ever the observant one, had raised an eyebrow at my extended stay, but she hadn't pried. Nahla, on the other hand, had teased me mercilessly about my sudden attachment to home life.

"Are you even my brother anymore, Akh?" She'd joked. "Maybe Layla did some magic on you. Should I be worried?" I had rolled my eyes at her, but deep down, I knew there was a sliver of truth in her words. I wasn't myself. Or maybe this was just a side of me I hadn't needed to confront before.

Ammi had been the happiest of all. I'd catch her smiling every time I walked into the living room or joined her in the kitchen. "It's nice having you here," She'd say, and I'd nod, offering her a small smile in return. I didn't tell her, or anyone, that their presence was the reassurance I needed. Being around my family softened the sharp edges of worry that Layla's silence had left behind. I didn't trust myself to be alone right now, not with the endless thoughts swirling in my head.

Malik had been a source of tentative relief. I had called him after my texts and calls to Layla went unanswered, and his calm demeanor had been reassuring.

"She's okay, Asad." He had said after I asked about her. "She just needs some time. Don't worry too much, she'll get back to you soon." He hadn't sounded worried, but even his assurances couldn't completely silence the questions in my mind.

Was she upset with me? Did she regret agreeing to this marriage? Had I done something wrong? 

I had tried to convince myself that this was normal, that Layla just needed space to adjust to this monumental change in her life. Sahla and Nahla had been quick to point out that this was entirely expected. "If it were me," Sahla had said, her tone practical and measured, "I would probably do the same. This is life-changing for her. Give her time."

Nahla, ever the playful one, had added with a grin, "You know, girls don't just jump into things like this. We overthink, overanalyze, and then overthink again. Trust me, she's fine."

Their words had helped to an extent, but the quiet moments, when I was alone with my thoughts, were the hardest. I kept replaying our first few encounters, searching for clues, wondering if I had missed something. I knew Layla to be quiet and reserved, but this silence felt different. It wasn't just her quietness that unnerved me, it was the distance.

My emotions had shifted over the past four days in a way I wasn't used to. I felt a strange blend of hope and fear, happiness and uncertainty. And yet, beneath it all, I still trusted her. Even though I couldn't reach her, I believed she was trying to navigate this in her own way, just as I was. 

Returning to my parents' house had been a coping mechanism, but deep down, I knew it wasn't sustainable. Sooner or later, I would have to face the silence and find a way to move forward, with or without the answers I was seeking. Until then, I held on to the hope that when Layla was ready, she would let me in.

As I stepped into the house, the soft sound of laughter from the living room reached me before I saw anyone. The scent of freshly brewed tea lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of incense Ammi burned every evening. I paused, loosening my tie as I walked toward the source of the laughter. Nahla's voice was unmistakable, lively, and teasing as always. 

"Ah, Akh, finally," Nahla called out when she spotted me. She was perched on the plush gold-accented sofa, her legs tucked beneath her. "We were just talking about you." 

"Good things, I hope," I replied, forcing a small smile. 

"Hmm, mostly," She said, narrowing her eyes playfully. "How was work?" 

"Fine," I answered, glancing at Ammi, who was seated elegantly on one of the armchairs, a cup of tea balanced delicately in her hands. Sahla sat beside her, scrolling through her phone but clearly listening to the conversation. 

I turned back to Nahla, hesitating for a moment before asking, "How was your visit to Layla's house?" 

Nahla's face lit up, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she leaned forward. "Oh, now he's interested. It's been four hours, and you're finally asking." 

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Nahla, just tell me how it went." 

She laughed, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "It went beautifully. Their family is lovely, and Layla... well, what can I say?" She grinned, leaning closer as if to share a secret. "She's gorgeous, Asad. Absolutely stunning. Her skin is so smooth and this perfect shade of brown, and her eyes? Don't even get me started. She's elegant, soft-spoken, and a little shy, which makes her even more endearing." 

A faint warmth spread across my chest at her words. "That's good to hear," I said quietly, trying to sound casual.

"Good? That's all you have to say?" Nahla teased, shaking her head. "I'm in love with her already. I can tell we'll be close, you know? But she's also graceful." 

I couldn't help but smile faintly at Nahla's enthusiasm. "I'm glad you like her." 

"Like her? I adore her," She declared. Then, with a sly look, she added, "But you, my dear brother, need to step up your game." 

Before I could respond, Sahla chimed in, "Leave him alone, Nahla. It's not like you're an expert on marriage."

Nahla stuck her tongue out at Sahla, who didn't even look up from her phone. I chuckled under my breath and headed toward my room to change. 

Later that evening, I found myself in Ammi's living room with my sisters and Ammi herself. It wasn't the intimate majlis we usually gathered in, this was the more formal living room, with its gilded furniture and rich, royal blue accents. The golden coffee table gleamed under the light of the chandelier, and the matching golden frames of the large mirrors on the walls reflected the soft glow. Ammi's love for gold was evident in every corner, subtle but unmistakable. 

Nadir joined us not long after, his arrival marked by a mock exclamation of exhaustion. "What's the occasion?" He asked, dropping onto one of the sofas. "The whole family gathered like this? Did I miss something?" 

"We're discussing lefe for Layla," Nahla explained, her tone unserious. "You're welcome to help, but you'd probably be useless, so maybe just sit there and look pretty." 

Nadir rolled his eyes. "I think I'll take you up on that offer." 

The focus shifted back to me as Sahla placed an iPad on the table. "Alright, Akhi. Since you're the husband, you're supposed to know her preferences. Which colors do you think she'd like?" 

I blinked, caught off guard. "I... uh, I'm not sure," I admitted. 

Nahla groaned dramatically. "Of course, he doesn't know." 

"I do know," I muttered, though I felt a bit useless at that moment. "Maybe."

"Okay, let's make it easier," Sahla said, flipping through the iPad. "Do you think she'd prefer bold colors or soft ones?" 

"Yes," I said simply. 

Nahla burst out laughing.

Ammi smiled softly from her seat, watching the banter unfold. "Habibi, you need to at least try," She said gently.

I sighed, feeling cornered. "Fine. Maybe soft colors?" 

Sahla raised an eyebrow. "Soft colors for everything? The fabrics, the accessories, everything?" 

"Yes." 

Nadir snorted. "Brilliant contribution, really."  I threw him a look.

Nahla leaned forward, holding up a swatch of fabric. "What about this one? It's a deep emerald green. It would look stunning against her skin tone, don't you think?" 

I nodded. "Yes, that's nice."

Sahla exchanged a look with Nahla. "We're going to be here all night if we leave it to him." 

"You know what?" Nahla said, grinning. "Layla's brown skin could pull off anything. She's so gorgeous, it's almost unfair." 

"Almost?" Sahla teased. 

"Fine, it is unfair," Nahla said with a laugh. 

"Get all the colors available," I said to which Nahla and Sahla threw shocking looks, I shrugged as that would be easier.

Ammi finally stepped in, her voice calm but decisive. "We're only picking the most important colors and items tonight. The rest will be handled by the professionals and your aunties." 

"Thank goodness," Nadir said, leaning back. 

As the conversation continued, I found myself sinking deeper into thought. The laughter and teasing were comforting, but Layla's absence still lingered in the back of my mind. I was grateful my family loved her already, it made the silence between us feel less daunting. Yet, I couldn't help but wonder when she'd finally pick up her phone.

And then, almost as if summoned by my thoughts, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Once, twice, three times. I instinctively reached for it, my heartbeat quickening, wildly guessing who would send me three messages at the same time. The screen lit up with her name, and my breath hitched. 

Layla. 

A few messages from Layla. 

For a moment, I just stared at the screen, unable to process what I was seeing. Then, like a dam breaking, relief flooded me, and an uncontrollable smile spread across my face. It wasn't just any smile, it was the kind of smile that felt impossible to contain, stretching so wide it probably gave away everything I'd been feeling these past days.

A quiet sigh of relief escaped me, unbidden and utterly audible in the otherwise lively room. I didn't care if anyone noticed, and they definitely did. 

"Oh my God, he's smiling," Nahla said dramatically, clutching her chest as if she'd just witnessed a miracle. "Look at him! It's like the sun decided to shine in the middle of the night."

Nadir raised an eyebrow, smirking. "This must be her." 

I didn't look up, didn't respond. My whole world had narrowed to the screen in my hand. The messages weren't long, but they were enough. 

Hello, apologies for not replying earlier. 

I've just needed time to process everything. 

But I'm okay. I hope you are too.

That was it. Just a few lines, yet it felt like a lifeline after days of silence. My chest felt lighter, like I could finally breathe again. 

"Who is it?" Nahla asked, her voice full of teasing curiosity. 

"None of your business," I said without looking up, but the lightness in my tone was a dead giveaway.

Sahla tilted her head, smiling knowingly. "It's her, isn't it?" 

"Leave him alone," Ammi said gently, though I could hear the warmth in her voice. She was probably smiling too.

I ignored them all, quickly typing back a reply. My fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment as I tried to find the right words. 

Salaam. I understand. I'm glad you're okay. Take all the time you need. I'm here whenever you're ready.

I hit send and leaned back, the smile still tugging at my lips. My family continued their playful commentary, but I tuned them out. For the first time in days, I felt truly at ease. 

She had reached out. She was okay.

And now, I could finally rest.

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